Story Highlight
- Staff at High Street Primary School to strike on September 22 and 23.
- Dispute concerns inadequate support for staff wellbeing and safety.
- NEU demands proper protection for staff during work hours.
- Vale of Glamorgan Council acknowledges concerns and strike action.
- Estyn report calls school an inclusive and nurturing community.
Full Story
Staff at High Street Primary School represented by the National Education Union (NEU) are set to strike on September 22 and 23 due to concerns over inadequate support from the local authority regarding staff wellbeing and workplace safety.
Nicola Fitzpatrick, Wales Secretary for the National Education Union Cymru, stated, “NEU members are taking strike action due to a lack of support for their health, safety and wellbeing at work. Our members are not asking for anything unreasonable – to be properly protected at work so they can focus on the teaching and learning of the children at High Street Primary School. We remain committed to reaching a negotiated outcome but equally cannot stand by when they are facing an unsafe workplace.”
The NEU has engaged in discussions with school leadership and the Vale of Glamorgan Council, noting that while some progress has been achieved, it is not sufficient, leaving staff in an environment they deem unsafe.
In response to the impending strike, the Vale of Glamorgan Council and High Street Primary School issued a joint statement acknowledging the situation. They expressed, “The council and High Street Primary School are aware that some staff may take strike action on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 of September. The wellbeing and safety of staff, pupils and the wider school community remain our utmost priority, and we are working with relevant trade unions and agencies to resolve the issues that have led to this situation.”
An Estyn inspection report from July 2026 described High Street Primary School as an “inclusive and nurturing community” with a “strong commitment to inclusion, well-being and improving outcomes for all pupils.”
Source: read the original report.
What this means for your site
This situation illustrates a significant failure in prioritizing employee safety and wellbeing, as acknowledged by the National Education Union. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 mandates employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. The absence of sufficient support can lead to an unsafe working environment, which could be in violation of this act.
To prevent similar incidents, schools and other organisations should implement a robust risk assessment process as outlined in the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Regular assessments of workplace conditions and staff feedback mechanisms should be established to identify hazards and ensure they are addressed promptly. Additionally, it is crucial to foster open communication between staff and management, allowing concerns about safety to be raised without fear of repercussions. Such proactive measures not only comply with legal obligations but also promote a safer and more supportive work environment.
